Dear Elder Smith,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington Kennewick Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.
You should report to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language.

My week was pretty fantastic. Missionary work is hard work, but a blast at the same time. We have been getting a little hot here in Washington and it's going to hit 100 degrees! I'm not sure I can handle hot weather and eat hot Mexican food all day. However, I don't think I will ever get sick of Mexican food my entire mission! Arroz, Frijoles, Menudo, Pasole, etc. IT"S ALL SO GOOD! When we eat American Food, I actually get a little disappointed! Some man actually asked me the other day what part of Mexico I was from? I simply responded, "En serio, soy un guero!" (You serious, I'm a little white boy!) I was baffled. However, hopefully this means I'm getting a little sun!

Our investigators are all doing well! We had a lesson with Natalio and it was amazing. Natalio works about 16 hours a day so it's been difficult to stay in contact. We knocked on his door and he said he really wanted to read the Book of Mormon with us. YAY! He still has the desire to baptized, it's just been difficult for the entire Spanish culture during picking season. Also, Mexico losing in the World Cup did not help our missionary work this week. We decided to tract after the game and nobody was responsive. Usually, we wave high to all the hispanics and get a wave back. However, after the game....nothing!

We have also been focusing on finding new investigators. We found a very nice man named Martin. He lives next door to our Elder's Quorum President and we knocked into him. We introduced the Book of Mormon and he said he would be baptized if he found out it was true. I have utmost faith that he will find a connection to the Book of Mormon and his prayers will be answered:) The Lord works in mysterious and incredible ways. I think we're going to be getting some success here in the near future. Othello has been slow and the people haven't been tremendously responsive, but with diligence and obedience we can turn the hearts of Othello.

I love you all so very much and hope you have a tremendous week! Like I always say, there is not one day that goes by that I don't think about and pray for you. Enjoy your summer!

Washington Yakima Mission

Favorite Scripture: Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always bounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

My Family

*My Sister*

My lovely Sister, Tara Faye Smith. She is currently attending Brigham Young University Hawaii and recently got engaged. Words cannot describe how much I love her and how grateful I am to have had her by my side for the past 19 years.

*My Mom*

My mom has served as an inspiration and role-model to our entire family. She's my best friend and someone I can continuously count on in a time of need. I just love my momma.

*My Dad*

My Dad and I have always had a strong relationship. He has persistently encouraged myself to become a worthy Priesthood holder and has taught me to value life. I love my Dad and would be lost without him.

Called to Serve

Words cannot describe how grateful I am to serve the Lord and build the Kingdom of God. Thank you to my family, friends, and the Lord for inspiring me to become a full-time missionary.

Feasting Upon the Words of Christ

2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.